Here are 10 reasons why Hillary voters will back Obama

Guest blogger Paul Rozycki is a political science professor at Mott Community College. Here's his latest:

Top Ten Reasons Why Hillary Voters Will Support Obama

The huge outpouring of support at Hillary's concession speech last Saturday was impressive. I can't recall any candidate who turned out such a large, energetic crowd as they were quitting the race. Many supporters at the rally, angry at Hillary's loss, vowed to vote for McCain over Obama in November. Will they? I'm not so sure. I think when push comes to shove, most Hillary voters will come across for Obama.

In no particular order, here are ten reasons why Obama should do well with most of Hillary's supporters:

1. They are Democrats. It was Will Rogers who said "I don't belong to any organized party...I'm a Democrat." Democrats have a habit of beating each other up and then making up after the fight. I suspect that will be true again.

2. If John McCain were president he would appoint judges who could likely overturn Roe v. Wade. How many of Hillary's voters are willing to give up a pro choice vote to punish Obama?

3. The next president will probably appoint several Supreme Court justices. With Obama in the White House, Hillary could be one of them.

4. On health care, Obama's views are a lot closer to Hillary's than McCain's.

5. Historically women have been less likely to vote for a "pro war" candidate. McCain's support for the Iraq war will not serve him well with female voters.

6. If Hillary comes out and strongly supports Obama (with genuine energy and enthusiasm) she should bring most of her supporters along, and there is every reason to think that she will.

7. There could still be a "dream ticket" with Hillary as VP. This seems less likely that a week ago, but stranger things have happened. They don't need to love each other to run together.

8. Both Bill and Hillary need to rebuild their tarnished reputations with the Black community. (Remember when Bill was the 'first Black president' in the 1990s?) Working hard for Obama is the best way to do that.

9. To insure her future in the Democratic Party, Hillary can't be a 'sore loser' or the cause of Obama's defeat.

10. Look for a large tribute to Hillary at the Democratic Convention in Denver.